Day 99 26th October
57miles (El Palmar to Puerto de Santa Maria) Average speed 11.8 mph Top speed 25 mph
Awake at 8. I went down to the garage to see if I could retrieve the dust caps I left there yesterday but someone had washed them away. Went to the seafront to watch surfers and then back for egg and bacon.
Morning surfing at El Palmar
I hosed down the bike to get rid of sand and cleaned the chain with a toothbrush I’d found in rubbish with the good wood. Tried to fix the chainring but the screws didn’t take again; that was the third attempt since trying to get rid of the clicking noise at Mandy’s. Packed up listening to radio and had a good hot shower before leaving. Then I forgot to take the towel I’d left out to dry. Doh!
Left at 1pm and decided to take Vernon’s advice and headed for Puerto de Santa Maria, without checking the map to see that it is past Cadiz. Followed satnav and found a lovely port at Conil de la Frontera,
Puerto el Conils
Lighthouse at Conils de la Frontera
Info board Conil de la Frontera
then a lighthouse and a place for migrating birds but migration happened in September, so I’d missed that. A beautiful ride along cliff top with brilliant views.
Clifftop
Then headed inland past lots of golf courses. Stopped at a supermarket for drinks as it was hot today. Guy in front of me in the queue was wearing full track suit and winter gloves. OCD I think, as he refused to handle money without gloves. Through Chiclana de la Frontera and onto Puerto Real; some riding on the motorway but I soon found a service road which was a breeze. Arrived at 6.30 and found well signposted campsite which was a relief as satnav and phone were dead. Had sandwiches for dinner as it was dark after shopping. Bought 2 litres of beer for €2.40 and it was cold, wet and refreshing, – bargain. Hit the bar at the campsite to watch Real Madrid win again.
Bar at Camping las Dunas, Puerta de Santa Maria
Back at site I was tucking into my second bottle of beer when Martia from Russia was dancing alone while Patrick, her French partner, watched on. She came over for a chat and then called Patrick over too. We talked a mix of English, French, Russian and Spanish about the state of our respective countries and discussed the virtues of travelling. Martia wanted me to find a partner but I explained there was no room in my tent and how hard it would be to find somebody to put up with me!
A great campsite at las Dunas. I’ve decided to stay here a few nights and explore the sherry triangle. I’m spending day 100 with a few beers and some sightseeing Found a great bar in Plaza Espagnol where the waiter was singing and I’m just about to hit the beach. I think this life suits me!
Camping las Dunas €10.50